Touring the Downtown Women’s Center

So I’ve told you about the wonderful Made by DWC Cafe and Reseller Boutique but I haven’t really told you much about the organization behind it. Recently, I was able to take a tour of facilities of the Downtown Women’s Center and it is quite the organization.

The Downtown Women’s Center is based on San Pedro Street in the heart of skid row. The historic building it’s housed in was originally a shoe factory – now it’s the heartbeat of an organization dedicated to aiding the homeless women of Downtown Los Angeles.

The organization was founded in 1978 by Jill Halverson and her friend Rose.

Jill was a social worker and Rose was a resident of skid row that she befriended. Together they opened a day center on Los Angeles Street (now home to the Made by DWC reseller boutique). In 1986 a residence center was opened next door and in 2011 the San Pedro facility was opened. I have had the pleasure of touring every location and can firmly attest it is an incredible place.

The San Pedro Street location is quite large and takes care of every aspect of the women’s needs. There is an onsite medical clinic that offers free medical care. And I’m not just talking about emergency care. The clinic offers everything from physicals to mammograms. There is a cafeteria serving meals and a laundry and showers. There is a computer lab that offers internet service as well as classes on everything from how to use a mouse to how to build a resume. There’s a classroom where the women can learn to knit and sew and make soap and a myriad of other crafts. And there is a lovely patio where they can sit and relax and do a bit of gardening.

And there are residences. Permanent residences that offer the women a clean, warm environment away from the harsh street life. Because the facility is at full capacity we were unable to personally visit an apartment. But we did tour the common area and it is beautiful.

And we did get to view pictures of the units. So lovely. Each unit has a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living area. The units are bright and airy with lots of windows. The decor is modern and inviting. No seconds for these ladies. Everything is brand new and clean and just beautiful.

And, above all, permanent. There is no time limit to how long a woman can live at the DWC. Some get back on their feet and move out and some stay until they pass away. The DWC is more than a spot to live. It’s a home where the women can be warm and clean and happy.

Words cannot express how much I love this organization. Not only does it put the needs of the women above all else it also works. An astounding 95% of the residents never return to homelessness. That it a statistic that I can get behind!